Special working meeting: Developing global advocacy priorities for cooperation to accelerate equitable access to HPV vaccination in the context of single dose

This meeting is invite-only, but we have reserved some additional spaces for WCC participants working on HPV vaccination as a means of cervical cancer prevention. If you would like to register your interest in attending, please email elle.pearson@cancer.org.uk or connect with her via the congress platform.

Organised by Cervical Cancer Action for Elimination (UK/USA).

Chaired by Marcie Fisher-Borne, American Cancer Society (USA).

1. Progress on cervical cancer elimination and the role of civil society

Alexander Wright, Cancer Research UK

2. Barriers and opportunities to HPV vaccination access in the context of the Republic of Benin

Benjamin Hounkpatin, Ministre de la Santé du Bénin (Benin)

3. The role of civil society in cervical cancer control on a global scale

Princess Nothemba Simelela, World Health Organization (Switzerland)

4. Civil society’s power, in the context of the context of the Philippines

Carmen Auste, Philippines Cancer Warriors Foundation (Philippines)

This special working meeting is convening civil society and policy makers to identify the global advocacy priorities urgently needed to accelerate equitable access to the HPV vaccine.

HPV vaccination coverage has been disproportionately disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This has compounded existing inequalities; countries experiencing the highest burden of cervical cancer often do not have sufficient access to HPV vaccination. Indigenous vaccines coming to market and single dose HPV vaccination programmes could provide opportunities to drive improvements in coverage and ensure that cervical cancer is eliminated within the lifetime of today’s girls, in line with the WHO’s global strategy.

The meeting aims to bring together the global health community to begin developing a bold and coordinated advocacy approach towards accelerated equitable access to the HPV vaccine. Relations will be built across organisations, and we will aim to identify partners who are willing to support the development and delivery of future advocacy.

This interactive session, to be hosted by Cervical Cancer Action for Elimination (CCAE) will be held under Chatham House rules, to encourage open discussion. French to English and English to French interpretation will be provided throughout.